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A rare work by Raymond Steth

October 18th, 2014

Heaven on a Mule c . 1940 is one of Raymond Steth’s best loved works. Steth depicts a deeply moving narrative of a devout African American farmer and his family. This poignant image was taken from a folk tale showing a poor family standing on a hill wearing cloth wings in the hope of being taken to heaven. They’ve brought their few possessions and have made wings for their mule and dog. Steth rewards them with ghost-like angels. Steth’s work was rediscovered in the landmark 1993 exhibition and catalogue, Alone in a Crowd, which was organized by David and Reba Williams to share their thoroughly researched collection of prints by African American artists. The exhibition traveled throughout the USA and brought about new appreciation for an important group of artists who’d been largely forgotten. We are very pleased to offer this excellent work by a master storyteller.